Vietnam Coast Guard’s Historic Mission to India Strengthens Maritime Cooperation

The CSB 8005 vessel of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) Region 3 recently completed a successful working mission with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Kochi city, Kerala state of India. The trip, which took place from December 3-31, aimed to strengthen cooperation, trust, and mutual understanding in maritime law enforcement between the two countries. It also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and sharing of experiences in building a stronger maritime force, focusing on operational capabilities, joint training in search and rescue, firefighting, and oil spill response at sea.

Preparation for the journey was meticulous, with extensive training conducted for the officers and crew members aboard the CSB 8005. This training covered legal knowledge, diplomacy, and insights into Indian history, culture, people, and the operations of the ICG. The working mission marked a historic first, as it was the farthest journey undertaken by the VCG, covering nearly 6,000 nautical miles. Despite facing challenging weather conditions, the vessel operated continuously and successfully achieved all mission objectives while ensuring safety in all aspects.

Col. Nguyen Minh Khanh, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Command of Coast Guard Region 3, led the Vietnamese delegation and emphasized the importance of the mission in promoting peace and stability in global and regional waters. The Indian counterparts praised the professionalism and dedication of the Vietnamese delegation throughout the mission, highlighting the successful cooperation between the VCG and ICG. Overall, the working mission to Kochi was a significant milestone in deepening maritime cooperation between Vietnam and India.

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